Begin and end your journey back in time on the busy streets of London. After check-in, you have the rest of the day to explore this multicultural city your way. March to the tune of God Save the Queen as you embrace all the pomp and pageantry of Britain's capital. Delve into London's royal heritage, stroll along the Thames or admire treasures from across the globe in one of its museums before retiring to your neighbourhood ‘local' for a pint or two.
What a treat! A full free day to explore all the surprises London has to offer in preparation for your epic adventure across England and Scotland. There's no shortage of places to go and people to see as you pound the pavements in search of the very best of Britain, from bacon butties to builder's tea, royal palaces to cathedrals, the London Underground to the mesmerizing world of monuments and museums that lies above.
This morning, meet your Travel Director and travel companions. The British capital won't keep you from your exploration of the island's colourful history. This morning you'll travel east for a memorable encounter with royalty and the Roman Empire. Start the day with a visit to Windsor, home to the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, then continue to UNESCO-listed Bath. View the city's beautiful Georgian façades before continuing to Cardiff for your overnight stay.
The Romans left their magic touch on the pretty town of Chester. You’ll view the city walls that they built in the first century to defend their fortress and the black and white half-timbered buildings, famously known as 'The Rows'. Take some time to explore Chester your way or join an Optional Experience to Llangollen in North Wales. Home of the International Eisteddfod, Llangollen has a tiny population but punches well above its weight when it comes to serene scenery and an array of cafés, bars and restaurants. Our home for the night is the haunt of the 'Fab Four', with an evening at leisure to explore Liverpool’s legendary nightlife.
Settle in for a scenic drive north to the Lake District. Here you’ll see first-hand why the rugged and untamed beauty of the Lake District inspired William Wordsworth to wander 'lonely as a cloud' in his acclaimed piece of poetry, 'Daffodils'. There’s no better way to embrace the area’s heritage than to join an Optional Experience and chug between Haverthwaite and Lakeside in an old-world steam train followed by a cruise on Lake Windermere. Crossing the Scottish border, you’ll stop at Gretna Green, where eloping couples would exchange their vows over the Blacksmith’s anvil and be bound to each other forever. Resist the urge to tie the knot yourself and continue to the bold city of Glasgow, where you’ll have an opportunity to join an Optional Experience for a night on the "toon".
Kickstart your day with an introduction to Glasgow’s industrial past and modern revival that has given the city its characteristic gallus strut. Channel your inner Highlander next, embarking on a journey north to the banks of Loch Lomond, where a cruise to Rob Roy’s cave could be on the cards should you choose to join this Optional Experience. Later, the breathtakingly beautiful scenery of Glencoe, 'Glen of Weeping', will stir all your emotions – not least as you remember the brave clansmen who fought relentlessly for their beliefs. Local shepherd Neil and his enthusiastic border collies are ready to welcome guests on their Highland sheep farm for an Optional Experience this afternoon. You can perfect your sheep-shearing skills before settling into your Highland hotel.
Robert Burns once wrote of his beloved hills of the Highlands. Your scenic drive through its mystical landscapes will leave you similarly inspired as you venture to picturesque Pitlochry on the banks of the Tummel. There’s time to explore this salmon fishing centre on your own or join an Optional Experience to Blair Castle, home of the Duke of Atholl and Europe's last remaining private army. The fairways and greens of St. Andrews, the birthplace of golf, beckon and you’ll have an opportunity to snap a selfie against the backdrop of the famous 18th green.
Tuck into a hearty Scottish breakfast with tattie scones and all the trimmings. Today you’ll need some extra sustenance as there’s much to see and do in Scotland’s hilly capital. The Georgian New Town, Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle all wait to be viewed in the company of your Local Specialist, so grab your camera and prepare for a memorable sightseeing tour revealing all the highlights of Auld Reekie. You’ll have plenty of time to explore on your own or consider joining an Optional Experience to Rosslyn Chapel or an in-depth tour of Edinburgh Castle.
Cheerio the noo and wave goodbye to Scotland. It’s time to venture south on your return journey through England to London, but not before you come face-to-face with Hadrian’s first-century attempt to keep the ‘barbarians’ out of his Roman Empire. You’ll not see an ancient Roman wall like it anywhere else on earth. Continue to the walled city of York, where an orientation tour will guide you through its narrow medieval streets to the 13th-century Gothic cathedral, York Minster, which dominates the city. You’ll have some time to admire the structure’s beautiful stained glass before an evening on your own, although York’s alluring history may keep you on the edge of your seat. Delve into its tales of Romans, roses and ghosts. It’s the stuff great books are made of.
This morning, we visit Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of the famous bard, William Shakespeare, who became England's most beloved playwright. It's time for one last group picture as you say a fond farewell to your Travel Director and new friends as you return to London.
It's time to close the curtain on your epic adventure across England and Scotland. You'll say cheerio to new friends as you prepare for your return journey home.
Prices shown are per person based on two people sharing a twin room. To request a personalized travel quote, click "Request Quote" and a Travel Specialist will send your custom quote including airfare if requested.
Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.
Available on Day 2
Our excursion to North Wales takes us to the picturesque village of Llangollen, where you'll see charming sights including the River Dee and Victorian Railway Station. You'll also travel through the Valley of the Cross and up to the Horseshoe Pass to enjoy views of the rolling green hills and snap some enviable travel photos.
Adult Price: £ 14
Available on Day 2
Explore the iconic cultural landmarks of Liverpool on a guided tour led by our Local Specialist. From its glorious maritime past to its famous cultural present, you’ll discover the city's two magnificently different cathedrals before uncovering the legacy of The Beatles. Explore Mathew Street, birthplace of the Beatles, and admire the Merseybeat sounds of Liverpool.
Adult Price: £ 19
Available on Day 3
Discover the vibrant character and joy of Glasgow as the city transforms at night, heading out on the town with your Travel Director for an evening of good food, drinks and unique experiences. Home to cosy bars, a famous live music scene and historic Victorian architecture; Glasgow offers a delightful mix of venues for travellers to explore.
Adult Price: £ 45
Available on Day 3
Enjoy a cruise on Lake Windermere to discover the beauty of the northern coastline, admiring picturesque homes, gardens and the neo-gothic architecture of Wray Castle along the water. You'll be left inspired as you encounter deserted islands, unique wildlife and scenic vistas as you explore the area beloved by famous writers Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth.
Adult Price: £ 23
Available on Day 3
Take in the glorious scenery of the Lake District as we cruise across England's largest lake, admiring beautiful homes, castles and more. Then, step back in time as we board the historic steam train from Lakeside to Haverthwaite, enjoying the thrill of riding the heritage railway and taking in scenic views as we travel.
Adult Price: £ 27
Note: Occasionally this experience will operate in reverse.
Available on Day 4
Discover the wild beauty of the 'Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond' as we set sail on one of Scotland's most impressive destinations. As we cruise along the loch, the skipper will share mystical stories of the area and point to landmarks, such as Rob Roy's Cave, as you relax and savour the stunning scenery.
Adult Price: £ 17
Available on Day 4
Travel to a real Highland Sheep Farm to meet Neil the Shepherd and discover the charms of local life in the Scottish Highlands. Meet his beautiful border collies and learn how he uses different whistles to command each dog, before having the opportunity to feed the lambs yourself. This hands-on tour is one for the bucket list!
Adult Price: £ 19
Available on Day 5
Kick back and relax as we enjoy a scenic drive to the ancient village of Torphichen, historically associated with Scottish Kings and Knights Templar. At the Torphichen Inn, your arrival will be toasted by our gracious host before enjoying an excellent dinner of local specialties and cultural entertainment.
Adult Price: £ 56
Available on Day 5
Step inside the enchanting gardens and grand halls of Blair Castle, taking in 750 years of Scottish history spanning significant events such as the Civil War and hosting notable figures such as Mary, Queen of Scots. Home to the Dukes of Atholl for centuries, the historic castle is rich in cultural stories and artefacts for you to discover on your tour.
Adult Price: £ 25
Available on Day 5
Make your Scottish travel dreams a reality and join us for an evening of singing, dancing and bagpipe playing. You'll enjoy delicious food and wine, join in with singing, and watch a Highland dance or two. There's even a chance to tick an iconic experience off your bucket list as you sample Scotland's national dish, haggis.
Adult Price: £ 72
Available on Day 6
Dominating the skyline of the city, Edinburgh Castle has stood strong on Castle Rock since the 12th century. Led by our Local Specialist, we'll pay a visit to the castle that is famous for being the most besieged place in Great Britain and one of the most attacked fortresses in the world. We’ll also see the crown jewels, known as the Honours of Scotland, and the National War Museum of Scotland.
Adult Price: £ 35
Available on Day 6
We’ll drive out of Edinburgh to the tiny village of Rosslyn, where we’ll hear the inside story of the famous Rosslyn Chapel from a Local Specialist. One of Scotland's most unusual 15th-century buildings, Rossyln is famed for its associations with the Knights Templar, the Masonic movement, and now 'The Da Vinci Code'.
Adult Price: £ 22
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